Introduction

The bootloader is a small piece of code on your printer's microcontroller that runs whenever the printer is turned on or reset. This code checks to see if your computer is trying to send a firmware update over the USB connection. If so, it stores the new firmware to the printer's internal flash memory.

A bootloader is required in order to upload new firmware to your printer over the USB connection. Without it, the only way to install new firmware on your printer is using a special programming device which plugs into the printer's internal programming port.

Most printers come with the bootloader already installed. However Creality neglected to do this when they built the original CR-10. In this guide we will show you how to install the bootloader on your CR-10 yourself. This will enable you to upload new firmware to your printer.

Important Notes

The CR-10S (the new version of the CR-10) already has a bootloader installed. If you have a CR-10S, this guide is unnecessary.

Flashing the bootloader requires a special tool capable of programming AVR chips. This is called an AVR ISP. In this guide, we used a Bus Pirate, which is a multipurpose tool capable of many useful functions, including programming AVRs. The Bus Pirate can be purchased for about $30. There are a number of other more inexpensive programmers available on Amazon. Any of these will work. Another option is to use an Arduino as a programmer, if you have one available.

Flashing the bootloader will erase the original firmware on your printer. Make sure that you are ready to install a new firmware after following this guide.

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Go to Tools > Port and select the port for your AVR Programmer. If you have no other 3D printers or other serial devices connected to your computer, then your AVR programmer will be on the only port in the list.

Go to Tools > Programmer and choose your type of AVR programmer from the list. If you are unsure of which type to choose, consult the instructions that came with your programmer.

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Almost done!

Congratulations, you are now ready to install new firmware on your CR-10. We recommend that you try uploading the firmware before closing up the control box so that you know the bootloader is working properly before you put everything back together.

Conclusion

Congratulations, you are now ready to install new firmware on your CR-10. We recommend that you try uploading the firmware before closing up the control box so that you know the bootloader is working properly before you put everything back together.